The National Youth Agency (NYA) is marking the second successful year of the Youth Work Apprenticeships, as it highlights the urgent need to strengthen the youth work sector with more youth workers, who are better equipped and professionally recognised. During National Apprenticeship Week (9 –15 February), the NYA is celebrating the impact of apprentices onto Level 3 and Level 6 Youth Work Apprenticeships since their launch in 2024.
The apprenticeships sit within a wider programme of reform aimed at addressing longstanding workforce challenges. The youth work sector faces a significant shortage of qualified staff and volunteers, with more than 13,000 paid roles and a similar number of volunteers currently operating without recognised qualifications. Since 2011, an estimated 4,500 youth workers have left the sector, driven in part by a sustained reduction in funding.
In response, the NYA is developing a new Standard Qualification Framework for youth work spanning Levels 1 – 6. Codesigned with employers and training providers and aligning with National Occupational Standards, the framework introduces clearer, more flexible routes into the profession. Central to the approach is easily accessible learning at all levels, enabling people to progress at different stages of their careers and supporting a more diverse workforce to enter and remain in youth work.
This reform aligns closely with the Government’s National Youth Strategy, which places youth work and the youth sector workforce at the centre of a ten-year plan to improve young people’s lives. Recognising the vital contribution of both paid and volunteer youth workers, the strategy includes £15 million of investment over three years to upskill the workforce through training, qualification bursaries and targeted support for volunteers and trusted adults.
Youth Work Apprenticeships at Levels 3 and 6 were launched in 2024 as part of the NYA’s vision to build back the youth sector. The Level 6 apprenticeship enables learners to gain a degree level qualification while working. Level 3 programmes are delivered by nine accredited training organisations across England.
The Apprenticeships programme is supported through the Apprenticeships Levy scheme and NatWest Group committing a total of £5 million in partnership with NYA through to April 2031. This investment is helping youth organisations across the country access apprenticeships and strengthen their workforce capacity.
Livewire Youth Project in Cornwall is already seeing the benefits. The organisation has embedded the apprenticeship into its succession planning, supporting Joe Day – who first engaged with Livewire as a young person himself – to undertake the Level 6 Youth Work Apprenticeship at Plymouth Marjon University. Mentored by senior youth worker Andy Rance, Joe is developing the skills and confidence to step into a leadership role.
”“Joe’s been through the process, he understands the music space, and he knows what support looks like,” said Andy. “He’s the perfect person to continue the work we’ve done.”
AndyLivewire Youth Project
“We’ve already seen Joe’s impact – a young person struggling to make connections has started a band, made friends and improved their mental health through the work Joe’s done alongside them.”
Joe highlighted the value of learning while working, explaining that the apprenticeship allows him to apply theory in real time: “Being able to actually apply what I’m learning in the moment is the big difference,” he said.
”The NYA is committed to building back the youth workforce to strive towards our aspiration for every young person who needs it to access the trusted support of a youth worker. Key to this is the reform of the qualification pathway, providing more accessible and flexible routes into a recognised qualifications and ensuring that the professional skills of youth workers are more widely recognised.
“Youth Work Apprenticeships at Levels 3 and 6 are key towards our goals by ensuring there are a sufficient number of qualified youth workers to help build better outcomes for our young people by 2028. We're grateful for the generosity of NatWest in supporting our vision and delighted to see the difference that these apprentices are already making in their roles at a variety of youth organisations across the country."
Kevin JonesHead of Workforce, NYA
”‘We’re proud of our brilliant partnership with the National Youth Agency, not only through our Thrive programme but also through our Apprenticeship Levy Transfer scheme. Our ambition to transfer £5 million over several years will change lives; seeing its impact is truly inspiring. So far, we’ve approved 253 apprenticeship starts and are supporting 172 employers with developing their workforce. This is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in potential. Together, we’re strengthening the youth work profession and helping young people build brighter futures for themselves and their communities across the UK.’
Maria KokkinouChief People Officer, NatWest Group
Apprenticeships funding remains available for the current year, and youth organisations interested in taking on an apprentice are encouraged to get in touch with the NYA to explore available opportunities.
